Garden Girl

There’s a running debate amongst my girlfriends about whether or not we personally should have a hand in what happens on Mother’s Day.

Yes, there is a wonderful charm about waking up to a magical surprise this Sunday morning (yes, gulp hard dads, Mother’s Day is Sunday) completely crafted by your partners and tiny people to show how very much they love you.

But, I am of the mind that holidays like Mother’s Day freak most gift-givers out, leaving one of a handful of things to happen:

1. They default to something done a million times before.

2. They assume moms require extravagance in order to feel the love.

3. They do nothing.

All three of these options often result in one at-least-mildly disappointed momma, and that sucks for everybody involved.

Moms - we’re not really a fussy bunch (mostly, although I’m pretty sure Ken will belt out a big HA! after reading that) - often it is a hand-picked bouquet of flowers, a picnic in the sunshine, an extra-long sleep or a homemade gift that makes us melt into a pile of goo. But, we all have our own personal visions of what would constitute big love in the Mother’s Day universe.

It’s a tough balance (like so much in our lives) to figure out what to do for the special people in your lives that will really have some extra heart, or to say to the people who love you, “Hey, if you are thinking about what to do for Mother’s Day, I’d really be into something like this.”

I have this theory that Ken shouldn’t have to bear the wrath of my unmet holiday visions. So, he spends the week before any given calendar event receiving not-so-subtle hints from me. Notes taped to the computer, newspaper clippings on the keyboard, e-mails with links.

This year - a brunch with some bonus adventure - I picked the spot, made the reservations, and totally can’t wait to spend a great afternoon with my loves. Yay! :)

But, telling your spouse, partner or kids the low-down on mom - or getting the scoop out of your favourite mom in terms of what she’s hoping for - is not the easiest thing. Sometimes planning it all together and seeing how things evolve is the best present ever.

So, here are a few hints from me on what makes a mom’s heart sing that families can plan and do as a team. Drop a few hints yourselves by leaving a comment with your suggestions. I think we all could use a few. I’m still trying to figure my mother-in-law out. (in a good way). She’s been recruited for our brunching adventure. :)

- A photo collage is an amazing treasure. Snapshots are the best slices of life and pulling them together in one spot so your favourite mom can remember warm times at will is priceless. Each family member can pick out their faves (no content editing, the personality of each choice is what makes it special) and you can create it together.

- A special picnic with all of mom’s favourite foods (anything at all) is a fun treat. I highly recommend a desert picnic where everyone gets to spend an afternoon snacking on all of mom’s favourite confections.

- Schedule a photo shoot with the family - whether professional or with your own set up - and get silly taking family photos at a spot that’s special to Mom.

- Plant a Mother’s Day garden. Head out to the plant store together to gather up some momma faves and turn a corner of the yard into an ode to mom (you could even make a Mom’s Garden Patch sign to sweeten the deal)

- Plan a Mom’s movie night. Let the mom in your life pick out her favourite movies (no censoring for chick-flick content, all Meg Ryan and George Clooney movies are on the table), stock her with some serious movie goodies and let her curl up under a big, soft blanket for the night.

- Check in about doing something traditional like breakfast in bed or Sunday brunch. Your favourite mom might be in the mood for some sentimental mom-focused feasting. Tradition doesn’t have to be dull. Find a great locale for brunch (which can be a surprise), have the kiddos come up with the breakfast menu and get them involved in the cooking.

Most of all, have fun.

Moms are all about seeing their families happy and healthy. A smile on everyone’s face is the best present of all!